Geraldton council carbon emission fight goes into high gear with hybrid vehicles

The City of Greater Geraldton has announced a plan to replace its petrol vehicle with hybrids is in progress, as the local government strives to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.

The first hybrid, a Toyota Corolla, has been added to the City’s passenger fleet.

The City is chasing net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and as part of this plan all its petrol-powered passenger vehicles will be replaced by hybrids when they are due for renewal.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said hybrid vehicles are the way forward for the City’s fleet.

With a lack of charging ports in the region for electric vehicles, Mr Van Styn said hybrids were the right option.

“Hybrid vehicles are a great way for the City to transition away from petrol power passenger cars without having to wait for the infrastructure to charge battery only electric vehicles to be built,” he said.

Along with bringing in hybrid vehicles, the City has replaced street and sporting grounds lights with LEDS, installed geothermal systems and solar panels at its facilities, and has been testing a food organic garden organic waste system.

According to the City’s plans, its passenger fleets will be fully hybrids by 2026.